Adjustable concrete form



s sheet's'sheet 1 Jan. 27, 1931. A. R. cuTHBERTSoN ADJUSTABLE CONCRETE FORM Filed May 1'7, 1928 I lullll l@ k., .KW

wlTNEssEs Jan. 27, 1931.

A. R. cU'rHBER-rsoN` ADJUSTABLE CONCRETE FORM Filed May 17, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR v lazalzcZeI-Jdhrkan ATTORNEY SESSM www Jan. 27, 1931. A. R. cuTHBERTsoN TE FORM Filed May 17, 192s ADJUSTABLEV CONCRE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 TES- - INVENTOR .HlezaizderZ/Lerfa/L WITNESSES ATTORN EY l Patented Jan. 27, 1931 UNITED .STATES PATENT OFFC ALEXANDER IB. CUTHBERTSON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOB T BLAW-XNOX COH- PANY, 0F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY AmusrAnLE CONCRETE roma Appneafion mea my 17, 192s. serial no. 278,512.

This invention relates to forms for moulding cementitious or other plastic mixtures, and has articular reference to an improve- V -ment in orms employed in the construction of tunnels, subways or other analogous structures where crowned or flat arch roof or wall sections are to be formed between parallel beams or columns.

One of the principal objects of the prescrit invention resides in the provision of a form which is adjustable within certain limits to compensate for variations in the spacing of the columns or beams or in the thickness of the lanfres of said elements which are of the conventional H-sliape, I-shape or channel construction in cross section.

The invention further contemplates an improved form of this character which .is capable ofbeing readily emplaced prior to the introduction of the plastic mixture and which is readily removable after the mixture has set or hardened.

The invention furthermore comprehends a form for moulding plastic arched wall sections between spaced parallel flanged. beams which embodies a laterally expansible and contractible form member including latch elements carried thereby for relative lateral movement with respect to each other and to the form member for projection laterally therefrom into locking engagement behind the anges of the adjacent beams and for retraction within the confines of the form member to release the same from the beam. v

The invention further contemplates in connection with a form of the character set forth and for the purpose specified, means provided respectively on the form member and latch elements for electing the lateral contraction of the form member by the inward movement of the latch elements subsequent to their retraction and the expansion of the form member by the latch elements subsequent to their` projection whereby to simplify and facilitate the operations of emplacing or removing the form.

The invention aims as a still further object to provide a form of the character set forth and for the purpose specified, by virtue of which the wall sections may be moulded to cover and conceal the beams.

More s eciically, the invention contemplates a orm for moulding plastic arched sections between spaced parallel flanged beams which includestelescopically associated intermediate and side sections for rendering the form laterally expansible-and contractible to compensate for variations in the spacing of the beams.

@ther objects of the invention reside in the comparative simplicity of construction and mode of operation of the device, the economy with which the same may be produced and the general eiliciency derived therefrom.

With the above recited and other objects in view, reference is had to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which there are exhibited several examples or embodiments of the invention, while the claims define the actual scope of the same.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an outer face view of the form in applied position with parts broken away and shown in section to disclose the underlying structure.

Figure 2 is atransver'se sectional view therethrough taken approximately on the line indicated at 2 2 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view'taken approximately on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fra mentary sectional view taken approximate y on the line igure 3.

Figure 5 is a detail transverse sectional view ytaken approximately on the .line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detailsectional view taken approximately on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view taken approximately on the line 7-7 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a detail sectional view taken approximately on the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a modified form of latch means and form attachment for moulding the wall sections to conceal the' beams.

Figure is a detail sectional view thereof taken approximately on the line 10-10 of Fi Aure 9.

igure 11 illustrates the modified form of latch means adjusted for moulding the wall flush with the beam flange.

Figure 12 is a further modification of the invention illustrating the form adapted for moulding high arch ceilings.

Figure 13 is a sectional lan view thereof taken approximately on t e line 13-13 of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a similar fragmentary sectional view taken approximately on the line 14-14 of Figure 12.

Referring to the drawin s by characters of reference` the form as il ustrated in Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, includes an intermediate section 15 which is curved or arched transversely and outer or side sections 16 which have curved or arcuate walls 17 and angularlv disposed flat walls 18, preferably formed integral. The flat walls 18 are provided at their free edges with laterally proje'ctingI terminals 19. The opposite side edges 20 of the intermediate form section 15 overlap the inner edges 21 of the arcuate wall 17 of the outer or side sections 16 and said overlapped portions 20 and 21 are slidably or telescopicallv associated with each other by means of staples 22 carried by the portions 2O which project through transverse slots 23 formed in the portions 21. Locking elements such as wedges 24 are engageable through the portions of the staples which project through the slots 23 for maintaining the overlapped portions 20 and 21 in close face to face contact. Each form unit is provided with one or more backing elements or strong backs which, as illustrated, consist of a pair of angle irons 25 arranged in spaced parallel relation to form a substantially T-shaped structure with the base anges 26 resting against the terminals 19 of the at walls 18 of the outer sections 16 and with the remaining flanges 27 in spaced face to face relation. Suitable cleat members 29 riveted or otherwise secured to the outer faces of the terminals 19 connect the sections 16 to the backing member or strong back for relative sliding movement of the sections with respect thereto. The sections 16 are further supported for sliding movement from and with respect to the strong back by arcuate bar sections 30 which are pivoted together at 31 and which are adapted to receive thereover the apertured flanges 32 of angle irons 33 which extend longitudinally of the arcuate walls 17 of the outer sections 16. The arcuate bar sections 30 are pivotally supported at 34 on the bifurcated ends 35 of rods 36 which extend between the Hanges 27 of the strong back angle irons 25. The rods are threaded at 37 to receive nuts 38 and 39 whichare impinged against clamp plates 46 and 41 which straddle the angle iron flanges 26 and 27.

As previously set forth, the form units are designed for moulding plastic arched wall sections designated at A between s aced parallel beams B which include webs and flanges D. In order to compensate for variations in the spacing of adjacent beams B so that the flat walls 18 of the outer sections 16 of the form units Will be disposed in contact with the edges of the flanges D or substantially so before the plastic mixture to form the wall section is introduced, the form unit has been made laterally expansible and contractible by the telescopic association of the intermediate and outer sections as previously described. In order to lock the form units 1n place, pairs of latch bars 43 and 44 are employed, the outer latching terminals 45 of which are adapted to be projected through slots 46 in the -walls 18 to engage behind the flanges D. The latch bars are ad- 'ustably and pivotally connected with a rock ink 47 by'plvot elements 48 which are selectively engaged through one of a series of openings 49 in the inner ends of the latch bars 43. The rock link 47 is secured medially to a rotary shaft 50 which extends outwardly through the strong back between the anges 27 of the elements thereof and throu h a suitable bearing member 51 attache to the base flanges 26. The outer end of the shaft 50 extends through a ratchet wheel 52, to which it is secured for turning movement therewith. The ratchety wheel is enclosed in a suitable housing .53 while the outer extremity of the shaft protrudes therebeyond and is squared as at 54 or otherwise formed to receive a suitable actuating deI vice for imparting rotary motion to the shaft. lt is obvious from this construction that the turning of the shaft 50 in a counter clockwise direction will rock the link 47 in a direction to retract the latching terminals 45 so that they are disposed in a position within the confines of the form unit, as illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 4, from the pro jected position illustrated in fulllines. rl`he latch bars adjacent the latching terminals 45 are provided with longitudinal slots 56 and are positioned between a pair of laterally inwardly projecting flange plates 57, throughy which plates 57 a transverse pin or bolt 58 extends. The slots 56 are of such a length that when the latching terminals 45 are projected a predetermined distance, the inner ends 59 of the slots engage with the pins or bolts 58 to move the outer sections 16 relatively away from each other and laterally with respect to the intermediate section 15 of the form unit. Conversely, when the latch arms are moved laterally inward and retract the latching termina-ls 45, the outer ends 60 of the slot 56 engage thepins or bolts 58 to move the outer sections of the form mon fulcrum 68. The pawls or dogs62, 63

and 64 are spaced at relatively different distances from the fulcrum 68 while the mean difference between the s acing of the pawls or dogs is slightly less t an vthe distancebetween the teeth of the ratchet wheel.` This 'construction admits of a finer degree of adjustment of a ratchet tooth of a maximum size and strength, as it is obvious that selective engagement of the dogs with each ratchet tooth may be obtained. A

In use and operation, it is obvious that the direction in which the ratchet teeth 61 ,point ipermits of a free turning of the shaft 50 in a counter clockwise direction to rock the link 47 in a direction to retractv the latching terminals45 of the latch arms and a lateral contraction of the form u nit. With the form unit laterally contracted and the latching terminals 45 retracted, the form unit may be positioned betweenadjacent beams or columns B, as illustrated. The inner surfaces of the out-turned terminals 19 are equipped with a plurality of semi-cylindrical or halfround bearing elements 70 which are adapted to seat against the outer surfaces of the flanges D while the latching terminals 45 are beveled or tapered .as illustrated, to define together a flared entrance mouth to facilitate engagement of the same over the free edge of the. flange. When the form unit is inserted in its laterally contracted condition between the beams, a suitable wrench or tool is applied to the squared extremity 54 of the shaft 50 and the shaft is turned in a clockwise direction, the pawl arms being swung to a position to dispose the dogs or pawls out of engagement with the teeth. The initial turning movement of the shaft through the medium of the rock link 47 will effect relative outward lateral movement of the latch arms and will cause a projection of the latch terminals 45 through the slots 46. Continued turning movement will cause the inner ends 59 of the slots to engage the pins or bolts 5 8 for effecting relative lateral outward movement of the outersections 16 with respect to the intermediate section `15 untilthe flat wall sections 18 of the outer sections aremoved into abutting or `substantially abutting engagement with the free inner confronting edges'of the ilanges D `of the-adjacent beams or columns B. yThis causes the bearing elements 70 in the tapered ends lof the latching terminals to grip over'the free confronting edges of the adjacent beam flan es D. The selected locking dog or pawl is t en engaged.

thus been applied, the wedge elements 24 which have been previously loosened will be "driven home to perform their function ofensuring a close engagement of the overlapping portions 20 and 21.

In order to compensate for the limited variation which occurs in the thickness of the anges D, the slots' 46 are lon er than the width ofthe latching termina s to permit of relative movement of the same-with respect to the bearing elements 70 JWhile wedge shaped guide elements 72 are adjusted transversely in slots 73 in the plates 57.

Variations in the, curvature of the crowm of the arched wall to be formed, may be obtained by loosening one or the other ofthe nuts 38 and 39 as the case 4may beand employing the other nut to effect relative movement of the rods 36 axially or longitudinally through the strong back and the-nce tightening the'loosened nut. 'This obviously rocks the sections :16 on the bearing elements 70, sutlicient slack being provided between the cleats 29 and the flanges 26 of the strong back to allow for the relative rocking motion between the sections 16 and the strong back. The intermediate section 15, which 'is of a 4 relatively flexible nature, conforms to the various rocked positions of the walls 17 ofthe outer sections 16. The change or variationA in the curvature of the crown of the arched wall is used for varying the thickness of the crown portion of thewall. For example, if it is .desired to thicken the crown of the arched wall from the showing in Figure 2, it will be necessary to draw downwardly on the rods 36. This is accomplished by loosening the nuts 39 and turninw the nuts 38 until the outer sections 16 have ,been rocked inwardly to the desired degree. The nuts 39 are then tightened and the flexible intermediate section 15 will be drawn or flexed` correspondingly to assume a Hatter curve. It is obvious that the sections 16 will rock on the bearing element 70, and due to the looseness of the cleats 29, the section=16 will rock'lwith respect to the strong back.

After the plastic mixture constituting the llfl wall section` A has sufficiently set or hardened, the form or mould is removed by turning the shaft 50-in a counter clockwise direction. The initial turning movement of the shaft through the medium of the rock plate .47 moves, the latch arms 43 and 44 laterally inward and retracts the latching terminalsv 45. Continued turning movement of the shaft causesthe outer ends 60 of the slots 56 to engage with the pinsor bolts 58 to coni tract the form laterally by moving the outer sections 16 `laterally inward with respect to the strong back, the arcuatebars 30 and the intermediate form section 15. This obviously facilitates the removal of the formwhich may now be moved outwardly and away from the moulded wall section. In using the lso j to inclu e top wall sections as well as side wall sections. In using the term arch, it is `employed in its broadest sense to include flat arches as well as curved or crowned arches. By referring to beams or anged beams, the applicant intends to include H or I-shaped as well as channeled members which have a web and flanges, and columns and girders are included under this term, whether disposed vertically or horizontally.

As illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11, a slightly modified adaptation in the construction of the latch bars is shown, while the construction and function of the form section units and backing member is substantially the same. In this form of the invention, the latch bars are provided with latching terminals 76 having V-shaped notches 77 which are formed by a straight lower wall 78 and an inclined upper wall 79 to accommodate the notches to variations in the thickness of the webs D of the beams B. The ends of the latch bars extend through spaced parallel inwardly projecting plates 80 on the walls 18 of the outer form lsections 16 and thence through the slots 46. The ends are further provided with a longitudinal series of centrally disposed openings 81 and with a pair of staggered slots 82 and 83, while the plates are provided with spaced openings 84 and 85 to selectively receive a pin 86. In this instance also, the strong back 87 extends through openings 88 in the walls 18 of the outer form sections 16. Under this arrangement, with the pins 86 extending through the openings 84 in the plates 80 and engaged through the slots 82, the initial relative outward movement of the latch bar 7 5 will project the latchino terminals 76 a suiflcient distance beyond the side walls of the form to cause the said side walls to be spaced from the free edges of the flange D. With a pair of adjacent form units in place, .as illustrated in Figure 9, a form plate 90 may be disposed against the flanges 91 of angle irons attached to the outer faces of the walls 18 so that the form plate 90 is in s aced relation to the outer surface of the ange D. The forms .plate will preferably be provided Awith an outwardly projecting staple 92 to extend through a slot 93 in a bar 94 which is engaged with the outer face ofthe flanges 91. A wedge element 95 is driven through the staple for clamping and maintaining the form plate 90 in place. It is thus obvious that the mixture A when introduced will cover and conceal the beam so that the wall sections are moulded in such a manner as to completely cover the beam, girder or column elements. When the forms are thus set, suitable lockv ing pins 96 are inserted in one of the series of openings 81 to prevent possible slippage or movement of the form units.

It is also obvious from the showing in Figure 11 that this form of latch bar construction renders the form units capable of use for mouldinghthe wall sections with the outer faces of t e flanges exposed or ush with the wall sections by inserting the pin 86 in the slot 83 to cause the outer sections of the form to move with the locking bars when the same have been projected Ito a distance which will permit the walls 18 to come into contact or substantially into contact with the side edges of the langesD.

As illustrated in Figures 12', 13 and- 14, a form unitvhaving the same general idea has been devised which. is especially designed for moulding deep arch roof sections. In this instance, however, the strong back is altered and .consists of a tubular intermediate member 100 having 'telescopically associated sections 101 which telescope within the opposite ends of the intermediate member. The outer form sections 16 are provided on their inner flat vertical side walls 18 with vertically extending spaced pairs of angle irons 102 having aligned vertically spaced aperture 103. The members 101 have their outer extremities 104 disposed betwcenthe angle irons with bolts 105' extending through the apertures 103 and through the terminals 104. The rods 36 which are pivotally attached at 84 to .the arcuate bar sections 30 extend through aligned openings in the intermediate tubular member 100 and through slots 106 in the inner ends of the members 101.` The threaded portions 37 of the rods 36 receive the retaining nuts 38, and 39, by means of which the intermediate member 100 maybe vertically adjusted. The intermediate member 100 carries a rotatory shaft 107 having crank arms 108 and 109 which are connected by link arms 110 to the angle irons 102 so that turning of the shaft in opposite directions will efect the relative lateral contraction and expansion of the form unit. Vertically adjustable supporting lugs 111 protrude laterally from the walls 18 to engage over the lower fianges D of the girders or beams B. Under this construction and arrangement, it is obvious that the moulding of deep arch roofs may be accomplished` -the depth of the arch being regulated by vertical adjustments lln of the lugs 111. These lugs 111 have reduced What is claimed is:

1. -I n a form for moulding plastic arched wall sections between spaced parallelanged beams; a laterally expansible and contractible Vform member, latch elements carried by the form member vfor relative lateral Inove-A ment with respect to each other and with respect to the form member for proection:v

tible form member, latch elements carried by lthe form member for relative lateral movement with respect to each other and with respect to the form member for projection laterally therefrom into engagement behind the flanges of adjacent beams and for retraction within the confines of the form member `to release the 'same from engagement with .said beams and an extensible and retractable actuating mechanism'connecting the latch elements said latch elements being adapted to engage the form member for effecting the lateral contraction of the form member by inward movement of the latch elements subsequent to their retraction.

3. In a form of the character described and for thev purpose set forth, a laterally expansible and contractible form member, latch elements carried thereby for relative lateral movement with respect thereto and for projection laterally therefrom and interengaging means provided respectively on the form member and latch elements for effecting the contraction of the form member by the latch elements subsequent to their retraction.

4. In a form for moulding plastic` arched wall sections to their spaced parallel flanged beams, a form unit including telescopically associated intermediate and side sectlons, a transverse'member with which the side sections are slidably connected, latch bars carried by the transverse member, rotatory means operatively connected with the latch bars for effecting the projection of the same llaterally from the side sections and their retraction within the confines of the side members and means coacting with the rotatory means for locking the same against retrograde movement when the latch bars are projected.

5. In a l wall sections to their spaced parallel flanged beams, a form unit including telescopically associated intermediate and 'side sections, a transverse member with which the side sections are slidably connected, vlatch bars carried` by the transverse member, rotatory form for moulding plastic arched means operatively connected with the latch bars for eiectin the projection of the same laterally from t e side sections and their retraction within the confines of the sidel members, means coacting with the rotatory means for locking the same a ainst retrograde movement when the latch ars are proected said side sections having permanent aterally projecting. portions cooperating with the projected ."e'nds of the latch bars to engage on opposite sides of the free edges of the beam anges and interengaging means provided respectively on the outer sections of the4 form member and on the latch bars for effecting the lateral expansion and contraction of the form member by the outward and inward movements of the latch bars subsequent to their projection and retraction.

6. A moulding form adapted for attachment to a pair of adjacent spaced parallel flanged beams, for moulding an arched plas- 4 tic wall therebetween comprising a laterally expansible and contractible form member having operatively projecting lateral anges adapted when the form member is expanded, to overlie the outer faces of the beam flanges, latches carried by the form member-for ro- ,jection laterally ybeyond the opposite sides lthereof behind the inner faces of the beam flanges to support the form member in place, said latches being retractible within the opposite sidesv of the form' member to release the same and interengaging means provided respectively on the form member and latches for efecting the contraction of the form by and immediately after the retraction of the latches. l

7. vA laterally contractible Aand expansible form unit for moulding plastic arched wall sections between adjacent spaced parallel iianged beams; comprising an intermediate form section and outer side form sections having laterally slidable connection with the intermediate section, a transverse base element with which the side sections are slidably connected, oppositely projecting lateral flanges on the outer side sections of the unit adapted when the form is expanded to overlie and engage against the outer faces of the iianges of adjacent beams, relatively shiftable latch bars carried by the form unit, operable toeiiect an initialprojection of their terminals laterally beyond the opposite sides ofthe form unit and a connection between the latch elements and the outer side sections of the form unit for effecting the ex. pansion of the form unit by the latch elements-after their initial projection whereby to simultaneously engage the projecting terminalsof the latches and the lateral ianges `of the outer side sections of the unit embracingly over the free edges of the confronting ianges of the adjacent beams.

8. A laterallycontractible and expansible form unit for moulding 'plastic arched wall Ass sections between adjacent spaced parallel flanged beams; comprisin an intermediate form section and outer side form sections having laterally slidable connection with the intermediate section, a transverse base element with which the side sections are slidably connected, oppositely projecting lateral flanges on the outer side sections of the unit adapted when the form is expanded to overlie and engage against the outer faces of the flanges of adjacent beams, relatively shiftable latch'barscarried by the form unit, operable to effect an initial projection of their terminals laterally beyond the o posite sides of the form unit, a connection Ibetween the latch elements and the outer side sections j of the form unit.for effecting the expansion of the form unit by the latch elements after their initial projection whereby to simultaneously engage the projecting terminals of the latches and the lateral flanges of the outer side sections of the unit embracingly over the free edges of the confronting flanges of the adjacent beams and actuating means for shifting the latch bars comprising a rock link, a shaft connected centrally thereto and mounted for rotatorymovement in the base element. I

9. A laterally contractible and expansible form unit for moulding plastic arched wall sections between adjacent spaced parallel anged beams; comprising an intermediate form section and outer side form sections having laterally slidable connection with the intermediate section, a transverse base element with which the side sections are slidably connected, oppositely` projecting lateral anges on the outer side sections Vof the unit adapted when the form is expanded to overlie and engage against the outer faces of the anges of adjacent beams, relatively shiftable latch bars carried by the form unit, operable to effect an initial projection of their terminals laterally beyond the opposite sides of the form unit, a connection between the latch elements and the outer side sections of the form unit for effecting the expansion of the form unit by the latch elements after their initial projection whereby to simultaneously engage the projecting terminals of the latches and the lateral flanges of the outer side sections of the unit embracingly over the free edges of the confronting anges of the adjacent beams, actuatin means for shifting the latch bars comprlsing a rock link, a shaft connected centrally thereto and mounted for rotatory movement inthe base element and means for locking the shaft against retrograde movement when the latch bars have been shifted to attach the form unit to the beams.

10. A form comprising relatively movable form members, latches for holding the form in working position, the latches being movable relative to the form members, and means for moving the latches toward and away from one another, the latches making a lost motion connection with the form members whereb movement of the form lmembers 1s also efgcted.

11. A form comprising relatively movable form members, latches for holding the form in working position, the latches being movable relative to the form members, and means for sequentially moving the latches and the form members.

12. A form comprising relatively movable form members, latches for holdingthe form in working position, the latches .being movable relative to the form members, and a single o erating means for sequentially moving the atches and the form members.

13. A form comprising spaced apart relatively movable form membeis, a. connectin form member overlying the first mentlone form members, and so sup orted as to permit relative movement of the first-mentioned form members, latches for holdin the form in place and means for sequential y moving the latches and the first-mentioned form members;

Signed at New York in the county of New York and State of New York this 15th day of May A. D. 1928.

ALEXANDER R. CUTI-IBERTSON. 

